Step 1: View the Blank Document Window 

The program window opens along with a blank document window. Usually, both windows are maximized: The program window fills the whole screen, and the document window fills the program window. (When both are maximized, two Restore buttons-one for each window-are displayed in the set of buttons in the upper-right corner of the window's screen.) If your program window isn't maximized, click its Maximize button. To minimize the program window to a button on the Windows taskbar, click the Minimize button. 

Step 2: View the Title Bar 

The title bar tells you what is in the window. When the document window is maximized, it has to share the title bar with the program window, so the title bar contains the names of both the program (Microsoft Word) and the file. (Document1 is a temporary name for your document. When you save it for the first time, you will replace that name with a name you choose.) 

Step 3: Use the Menu Bar 

The Word menu bar contains menus, which in turn contain all the available Word commands. All the tasks you need to perform are available through menu commands. To use the menu commands, click the menu name to display the menu and click the command you want. 

Step 4: Use the Standard Toolbar 

By default, Word displays the Standard and Formatting toolbars side-by-side onscreen. The Standard toolbar appears on the left, as shown in this figure. The Standard toolbar contains shortcuts for frequently used commands such as those to open, save, and print documents, and to undo mistakes. To activate a toolbar button, click it. To see a button name, hover the mouse pointer over the button for a moment; a ScreenTip appears with the button name. 

Step 5: Use the Formatting Toolbar 

The Formatting toolbar, located next to the Standard toolbar, contains shortcuts for commands that change the appearance of the document. To activate a toolbar button, click it; to view the name of the button, point at the button to reveal a ScreenTip. 

Step 6: Use the Ruler 

The ruler shows you where your margins are, and it lets you set tabs and indents. If you don't see the ruler, you can display it by opening the View menu and choosing Ruler. 

 

 

 

Step 7: Use the Work Area 

The typing area in a new document is the large blank space bordered by vertical and horizontal scrollbars. The insertion point (a vertical, blinking line, also known as the cursor) shows you where the next character you type will appear. When the mouse pointer is placed over the typing area, it resembles an I-beam. 

Step 8: Use the Scrollbars 

The vertical and horizontal scrollbars allow you to view different portions of your document. Use the arrows on the scrollbars to scroll in the appropriate direction or drag the scroll box. Use the Previous Page and Next Page buttons (at the bottom of the vertical scrollbar) to jump quickly from one part of your document to the next. 

Step 9: Viewing the Status Bar 

The status bar indicates the current page, the total number of pages, and the location of your insertion point on the page. As you use Word, the status bar sometimes displays other information as well.